guard 1 of 2

Definition of guardnext
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as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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guard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guard
Noun
Starting point guard Chansey Willis and top center Robert Viahola were lost to season-ending injuries in November. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 3 Mar. 2026 Either Miller or Lomu would make sense, and either could help right away by filling a looming vacancy at left guard before eventually shifting over to tackle when Williams retires. Chris Biderman march 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
This was a major military installation protected by thousands of soldiers and guarded by Russian and Chinese military technology. Time Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026 Former Hawks and current Wizards guard Trae Young made his return to State Farm Arena on Tuesday night. Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • The nearby Cherry Valley Elementary School was ordered to hold students in place and released them from school early so parents and guardians could pick up their children, White said.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Other restrictions include that the prayer and religious text cannot be provided in the physical presence of or within the hearing of students whose guardians have not signed a consent form.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Texas Tech defensive tackle enjoys standing up double teams and he was paid well to do it for the NIL-rich Red Raiders.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Carter was active on both ends by helping make decisions on offense and battling for the ball on the glass with 12 rebounds (nine defensive).
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Goldschmidt and Rosario are locks for the bench after re-signing with the Yankees over the offseason.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Reservoir lock Most dog feeders are made with locking lids to avoid access to the food in the hopper when the dog is between meals.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The country maintains the region’s largest missile stockpile, combining MRBMs, maneuverable warheads, and decoys to strain defenses.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Orders from European nations such as Poland and Romania have powered massive gains in the sector as countries on the continent increase their defense spending.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Activities Personalised treks to experience the character and charm of nearby villages, mountains, monasteries and lakes are led by highly knowledgeable guides such as Gyaljen Sherpa, 36, a veteran of Himalayan trekking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • We are told these vehicles are safer, yet the city requires human guide drivers (an admission that the artificial intelligence isn’t ready).
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Lakers star then passed to a hustling Austin Reaves, who took a few dribbles to get a Kings defender to commit before making an alley-oop pass to James for a two-handed, rim-hanging dunk.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Dominguez had a great run through multiple defenders early in the second half but couldn’t connect with a teammate for a quality shot on goal.
    Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Here's what to know about colorectal cancer -- at any age -- and how to protect yourself.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Practice a script that protects your needs and honors your generous spirit.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Whether oil traffic through the strait drops significantly depends on whether Iran has the military might to blockade the essential oil choke point, experts said.
    Maliya Ellis, Houston Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026
  • His death sparked civil unrest in Puerto Vallarta and more than a dozen Mexican states, including Quintana Roo, with cars set on fire and blockades obstructing highways.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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